Microglia activation in the presence of intact blood-brain barrier and disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis via IL-6 and IL-18 mediate early diffuse neuropsychiatric lupus.

An intact BBB with microglial activation disrupting the formation of new neurons within the hippocampus represent early events in NPSLE. Disturbances of the BBB and interferon signature are evident later in the course of the disease.